August 2026: The Forgotten Gift of Play
- Aug 2
- 6 min read
Somewhere along the way, I unconsciously accepted the idea that play was for children—something enjoyed after the chores were finished—while adulthood was meant to be filled with responsibility, productivity, and endless things to accomplish.
Yet life has a way of teaching us otherwise.
Recently, my friend Sandra and I made a simple commitment. We would
set aside an afternoon to visit a local park.
It would have been easy to postpone. There were dishes to wash, emails to answer, errands to run, and countless other things competing for our attention. But because we had made a commitment to each other, we went.
That decision turned out to be a gift.
Our first stop was a quiet park nestled among deep woods. A few adults were enjoying a picnic in the pavilion, but recent rains had left the playground muddy and the swings unusable. The wooded trails, though beautiful, felt surprisingly dark even beneath the afternoon sun.
So we decided to explore another nearby park.
There we discovered exactly what our hearts had been hoping for.
We leisurely walked a mile and a half along a paved path surrounding a peaceful five-acre lake. Families laughed together as children played on dry playground equipment. Ducks wandered through the grass and glided across the still water. Fishermen patiently waited for bass and bluegill. Brilliant yellow irises bloomed along the shoreline, while cattails swayed gently in the breeze. Oaks, beeches, hickories, and countless other trees stood clothed in fresh, vibrant green.
We walked.
We noticed.
We breathed.
We photographed.
We watched birds.
And somewhere along that path I realized something children seem to know instinctively.
Play is not wasted time.
Somewhere along the way, many of us quietly accepted the belief that rest must be earned, that wonder is optional, and that joy belongs only after the work is finished.
Yet our minds, bodies, and spirits often tell a different story.
When we step into nature, breathe deeply, laugh with a friend, notice the movement of trees, or simply pause long enough to appreciate beauty, something begins to change.
Our breathing slows.
Our thoughts become clearer.
We feel calmer and more grounded.
We often sleep more peacefully.
In many ways, we return to ourselves.
Perhaps play is not a luxury.
Perhaps it is not even a reward.
Perhaps it is one of the ways we remain fully alive.
No matter our age, life moves quickly. There are dishes and laundry, phone calls and text messages, emails to answer, bills to pay, responsibilities to manage, papers to organize, and lists that never seem to end.
But I am becoming increasingly convinced that taking time to play, wander, notice beauty, watch birds, laugh with friends, and simply enjoy being alive is not an interruption to life.
It is life.
Research continues to remind us that spending time in nature and engaging in enjoyable activities can support both our physical and emotional well-being.
It may:
Quiet the nervous system and encourage a more restful state.
Improve mood and emotional balance.
Support clearer thinking and creativity.
Restore energy and perspective.
Improve sleep.
Renew our sense of gratitude, curiosity, and wonder.
Looking back, I realize something else.
Our park adventure might never have happened had Sandra and I not made a commitment to each other.
Having a companion created accountability, but it also multiplied the joy. Together we chose to step away from our routines, and together we experienced something far richer than either of us might have found alone.
We would have missed so much had we postponed our adventure for "another day."
Instead, we chose to stop.
To notice.
To breathe.
To play.
And our souls were nourished.
At this stage of my life, I am learning that growing older does not mean growing smaller.
Perhaps it means giving ourselves permission to reclaim what mattered all along.
Take time to play.
Take time to breathe.
Take time to notice.
Take time to live.
Your body will thank you.
Your mind will thank you.
And perhaps your spirit has been waiting for your permission all along. The forgotten gift of play does not need to be forgotten any longer!
🌿
In Health, Freedom and Joy,
Barbara
“I have a wonderful joy in a wonderful way and my wonderful joy has come to stay.”
~ Florence Scovel Shinn (1871-1940)
What if one of the most powerful ways to age well has nothing to do with another supplement, diet, or exercise program?
We've spent years learning about nutrition, movement, sleep, stress reduction, and healthy habits and they all matter. However, there is one essential ingredient that many adults gradually leave behind...without even realizing it. - Play
Adults often forget it or just don’t know what it looks like after 60+!
Research continues to show that laughter, curiosity, creativity, learning, nature, friendships, music, games, and simple moments of wonder can positively influence our brains, reduce stress, improve resilience, strengthen relationships, and even encourage us to keep moving.
Could rediscovering play for those 60+ be one of the missing pieces to living a healthier, more vibrant life?
Does growing old begin when we stop playing?
Join us for an engaging evening as we explore:
· The surprising connection between play, brain health, and healthy aging
· Different kinds of play—including creative, mental, physical, social, and spiritual play
· Simple ways to bring more joy, curiosity, and adventure into everyday life—no matter what
· Fun ideas and challenges you can begin using immediately
You'll leave with fresh ideas, practical inspiration, and perhaps a new way of thinking about what it truly means to age well.
Come to enjoy, share stories, discover something new, and remember that growing older doesn't mean we stop playing. It just may look different.
📅 Tuesday, August 11, 2026⏰ 6:30 PM Eastern Time
💻 FREE Zoom Gathering
Meeting ID: 859 3522 9129 Passcode: Play
No registration required — but if you think you may attend,
a quick text to 216-409-4906 with your name is appreciated.
Enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
Bring your curiosity, your lived wisdom, and simply yourself.
I look forward to seeing you.
~Barbara
Are you ready to build your own healthier future? Reading about healthy aging is inspiring. Living it is life-changing. If you're ready to move beyond information and begin making practical, lasting changes, I'd love to walk beside you.
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let's connect soon!
I have been helping others find their wholistic way since 1980. With my varied life and career experiences, I am ready to be a resource to you. Know that together we can discover lasting solutions!
The information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat or diagnose diseases or medical conditions, nor is it intended to prescribe forms of medical treatment. Issues concerning health should be referred to qualified health professionals. You always have the choice on your health journey.